From the left, Regina Villalobos and Robert Perales with SAAF and event MC Vanessa Macias Ballou at the Threads of Hope IADT fundraiser fashion show for San Antonio AIDS Foundation, Thursday, December 2, 2010 at the Hotel Contessa in San Antonio.

From the left, Regina Villalobos and Robert Perales with SAAF and event MC Vanessa Macias Ballou at the Threads of Hope IADT fundraiser fashion show for San Antonio AIDS Foundation, Thursday, December 2, 2010

San Antonio's Vanessa Macias has yet to grab a win on "The Amazing Race," but she certainly has no problem grabbing the spotlight.

I'm not referring to Macias' dazzling smile or curvaceous figure, both of which have attracted plenty of attention over the years via car commercials, a local travel show and, most recently, as arena host (and director of corporate/community partnerships) for the San Antonio Talons.

On CBS' "Race," Macias has become known more for what she says than how she looks.

Thanks to entertaining editing, Macias' tart tongue and colorful barbs have provided lots of wicked drama during recent weeks of the reality show. At times, she's so acerbic, you don't know whether to cringe or laugh.

In episode recaps and show forums, the Incarnate Word High grad has been called everything from "mean girl" to the b-word. Though some praise her as a favorite, others blast her as nothing short of cruel.

On-screen arguments with ex-boyfriend and "Race" teammate Ralph Kelley have been laced with obscenities. (CBS may have asked her to curb her language, as Macias has been using "cheese and crackers" in place of curses lately.)

Before the visibly stunned Reilly could react, Macias added: "Honey, get your nose done before you get your boobs done. Do everybody a favor!"

Whap!

The vehemence kept on coming. Reilly, brushing back tears, moaned: "This whole game has been all about Vanessa trash-talking me, and I'm tired of it. All she does is say mean things and name-call."

Macias? "I didn't make her cry," she said, which turned out to be the title of the episode. "Her lack of self-esteem made her cry. If you can't take it, don't dish it out."

In sum, Macias' playing of the game hasn't been all that stellar.

She and her partner barely escaped last place on week 7, thanks to her inability to stay on her bike during one leg of the race.

It sported an uncomfortably high seat, causing Macias to crash to the ground repeatedly. Moreover, she and Kelley don't seem destined to win the $1 million over more adept players - including four-time winners Rachel and Dave.

Let's hope, however, the S.A. couple survives long enough to provide at least a few more wild moments. Otherwise, "Race" won't be nearly as fun to watch.